The plastic bag tax originates from Virginia Code §58.1-1745, which states that “Any county or city may, by duly adopted ordinance, impose a tax in the amount of five cents ($0.05) for each disposable plastic bag provided, whether or not provided free of charge, to a consumer of tangible personal property by retailers in grocery stores, convenience stores, or drugstores.” 

The City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County have agreed to endorse and implement this tax starting January 1st, 2023. This then speaks to reducing plastic pollution and helping the world and our environment. Now, where will these funds go from the Plastic Bag Tax? They should go to “environmental education, pollution clean-up, and providing reusable bags for SNAP and WIC recipients” according to the City of Charlottesville’s website.

This website consists of various facts and valuable information that come straight from what government officials have been discussing in recent months about this particular tax. More information about this tax can be found here, Plastic Bag Tax | Charlottesville, VA .

However, how do people feel about this throughout our community? How do we as a student body feel? How do the teachers and staff feel? How do workers feel? And lastly, how could this tax be affecting business owners in Charlottesville? Talking to a student, Henry Miller, an anonymous worker in the community, and an owner of a small and local business, Linnea White.

Henry Miller,

How do you feel about the Plastic Bag Tax?

“I think it’s fine, if you cannot afford a 50-cent bag then you should reconsider your life.”

Do you think that the Plastic Bag Tax will be effective in urging consumers to bring their own reusable bags?

“Um, no, we are Americans and we forget everything. You only bring a bag to steal.”

Will you bring your own reusable bags to stores now? Have you already been doing it?

“No I do not want to, I would actually like to hurt the planet.”

Anonymous Worker,

How do you feel about the Plastic Bag Tax?

“I hate it. People cannot bring ham home from the grocery store without a plastic bag! It is just ridiculous.”

Do you think that the Plastic Bag Tax will be effective in urging consumers to bring their own reusable bags?

“No. Many of my customers buy all the plastic bags they want, they don’t really mind paying the [extra] 50 cents.”

Will you bring your own reusable bags to stores now? Have you already been doing it?

“No, and No”

Linnea White, the owner of Darling X Dashing Boutique,

How do you feel about the Plastic Bag Tax?

“I think it’s a really important move for the environment! Plastic bags are AWFUL, and I hope it encourages those with the means to make wiser reusable choices. I think it will help shift more shoppers to say no to plastic.

However, I wonder what the implications will be for those where that tax goes being their means (ie those on programs like SNAP). Often sustainability swaps leave those without privilege or means behind, and I think the effects of this tax will be felt the most by those that can’t afford it.”

Will you bring your own reusable bags to stores now? Have you already been doing it?

“For years now I’ve brought my own reusable bags to the grocery store! And definitely try to use my own shopping bags however often I can.”